Maddy’s parents: ‘This is our way to carry on for her’
THE ‘heartbroken’ parents of a Bristol student who died of sepsis are attempting to make something ‘positive’ out of her ‘horrendous’ death.
Maddy Lawrence was playing for the UWE women’s second team against the University of Bristol when she was injured while being tackled on March 9, 2022. The injury was non-life-threatening but she developed a severe bacterial infection that was unable to be controlled.
Sadly, on March 25, 2022, the 20-year-old winger, known as Twinkle Toes, passed away from the infection.
Her mother, Karen, said: “It was such a loss.
“There are no words, everyone says it, but no words are enough to describe the loss of life. This is our way to carry on for her.”
Their campaign in her name Maddy’s Mark - has already helped around 1,000 women to engage with rugby - a sport that was close to their daughter’s heart. As well as rugby, the charity is also focusing on people’s mental health.
Dad Simon said: “Maddy was going to have a really special life. She went through a lot as a kid, bullying, difficult parts of modern life. But she always got through it; she was very resilient. When she started to play rugby at the university, she was so happy. Everyone was so welcoming, and there were no cliques. The sport really matched her energy; she really felt like she had found her people.”
Her parents now want to help other young women to develop a passion for the sport, which isn’t routinely offered as part of a curriculum.
“It’s a marvellous sport,” said Simon. “Everyone is there for each other. Her team was there for her, and she was there for them. We want to ensure more young women
have a chance to play, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, where they might miss out.”
They have teamed up with Maddy’s former rugby teammates to
attend Bristol Bear matches to collect money.
They are also working with schools across our city to help others who could be struggling.